term:

Main Purpose Rule

main purpose rule n

: a doctrine in contract law: a promise to pay the debt of another need not be in writing to be enforceable if the promisor was motivated by a desire for advantage or benefit called also leading object rule; compare statute of frauds

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.